In a fascinating exploration of hospitality, philosopher Jacques Derrida, founder of "deconstruction", noted that, paradoxically, hospitality requires clear boundaries between the private and the public. For me to be able to exercise hospitality towards a guest, I need to feel that the integrity of my private sphere, my "at home" where I choose to welcome …
Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
We all have experienced waiting. But could waiting be in danger of dying out as a phenomenon? Many of us do not like the feelings associated with waiting - the slow passing of time, the uncertainty, the sense of being stuck in some misty limbo land with no clear path in sight. So we try …
From Going East to Becoming The East
"There are multiple horizons depending on one's point of view. There might be what is east of you, but also the east side of the city where you live, or the eastern side of the country. But somebody's "east" becomes "the East", as one side of the globe. "What is east (of me/us)" becomes "the …
Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
Managing one's own emotions and those of others is a form of labour. Some people get paid for this work (e.g., flight attendants). However, often the effort that goes into becoming an emotional management expert goes unnoticed and stays in the invisible background of what appear to be naturally flowing relationships. But what about another …
Continue reading Spreading the Word: Emotional and Hermeneutic Labour
The Relational Self
keep exploring!
Spreading the Word: Journal Like a Philosopher
What does it mean to journal like a philosopher, and how to do it?
Visiting St Paul’s Catacombs in Malta – Part 3: The Rituals
I visited St Paul's catacombs in the first week of this year. It turned out to be a much more exciting experience than I had expected, so I decided to write a short series of articles about it. This is the third and final part where I explore the burial rites linked to the people's …
Continue reading Visiting St Paul’s Catacombs in Malta – Part 3: The Rituals
Spreading the Word: What Is True Cosmopolitan?
What does it mean to be cosmopolitan? The word literally translates as a citizen or resident of the world. The entire world. Is it possible to belong everywhere? Doesn't that mean to belong nowhere? In today's short and inspiring video, the author Elif Shafak talks about cosmopolitanism and how we all have multiple belongings shaping …
Continue reading Spreading the Word: What Is True Cosmopolitan?
What is Present Through Its Absence?
"[T]he "straight line" is what shapes the very tendency to go astray. What is astray does not lead us back to the straight line, but shows us what is lost by following that line."Sara Ahmed keep exploring!
Spreading the Word: Outsmarting Prisoner’s Dilemma
Today's post shares a fun little video that does 3 things: explains the prisoner's dilemma, shows what's the best solution (if you care about the future!), and delivers it all in a form of a cartoon with a healthy dose of humour. Check it out here: How to outsmart the prisoner's dilemma. Enjoy! Keeping up …
Continue reading Spreading the Word: Outsmarting Prisoner’s Dilemma
humanfactor 